Is it Time to Replace Your Garage Door Opener?
It’s like turning on the kitchen faucet—we take it for granted that it will always work.
In the kitchen and throughout the rest of your house, you know water will come out. When you push the button on the little device attached to your car’s sun visor, you expect the garage door to magically rise.
Over the course of a year, the motorized unit bolted to your garage ceiling opens and closes its door nearly every single day, multiple times a day. But nothing lasts forever and mechanical stuff wears out one of these days you’ll push the button and the door won’t open.
How can you tell when it’s time to replace your garage door opener?
Be Proactive
Similar to other sound homeowner habits, don’t wait for catastrophe. If your ancient door opener still works, it doesn’t mean it’s working well and it could be worse than just having to park outside. Impending safety issues could be in your future. Stay alert for signals like these:
Shake, Rattle, and Roll
If your opener vibrates like crazy and rattles like an old jalopy, take a close look. There might be a bent shaft or wheezing motor that just can’t handle it anymore. Check the mounting screws to be sure they’re secure. The whole thing could work itself out and crash down on your car (or your head).
The Door Can’t Make up its Mind
If your garage door opens and then goes right back down, something’s up with with the security sensors on the door frame. They could be out of alignment, blocked with debris, or the sensor eye might be dirty. Clean things up and try again.
It’s Loud!
The “old time” chain-drive garage door openers weren’t made to be quiet and chains get louder the older they get. If your bedroom is directly above the garage, an old, worn door opener will rumble beneath your feet and rattle pictures on the wall. Inspect the openers for obvious signs of trouble and then start shopping for a replacement.
But It Worked Yesterday
If you push the button on the opener remote and nothing happens but it worked fine before, it could be as easy as replacing the remote’s batteries. If that doesn’t work, there might be wiring or circuit board issues. Time for a new one.
Questions or concerns about your garage door opener? Call D Bar Garage Doors today at (503) 553-9933 for Portland-proud service.
